The Foreign Ministry insists there is no diplomatic crisis between Israel and Belgium as a result of an incident in which Belgian Development Cooperation Minister Charles Michel was denied entry to Hamas-controlled Gaza.

While the Belgian official requested permission to cross into Gaza, Israel explained doing so would be viewed as a gesture to Hamas and the current policy is to prevent such acts as Hamas continues to hold IDF soldier Gilad Shalit captive. Michel told European television that the situation is unacceptable, adding he and other European Union officials must be permitted entry to oversee what is taking place in Gaza, particularly EU assisted aid projects.

Despite the harsh response to the media from Michel, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon denied reports the incident resulted in a diplomatic row between Israel and Belgium.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)